Weather News

Kerang, Hamilton get portable flood gauges

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries says the last of 20 portable flood gauges for Victoria have been delivered to Kerang and Hamilton.

The gauges are stored at seven sites around the state and can be quickly moved to where they are needed during floods.

The flood management program leader, Steve Muncaster, says they are powered by solar energy and have enough battery life to last up to a week without being recharged.

He says they use the 3G data network to constantly monitor flood levels.

"The purpose of these gauges is to complement where we have permanent gauges around the state," he said.

"They provide an ability to move the gauge around to be ahead of the floodwaters, so that way we're able to monitor the rise of floodwaters but also to retain the gauge there after the peak's passed to understand how the floodwaters are receding."